The Jayhawks (2-5) trailed 5-2 heading into the bottom of the ninth. After the first two KU batters were retired, Matt Van Alsburg and Duane Thompson walked. A passed ball allowed Van Alsburg and Thompson to advance. Pinch hitter Sparky Wilhelm then delivered a two-run single to pull the Jayhawks within a run.

Northwestern reliever Ben Dodd retired Harrison Hill on a grounder for the final out.

The Jayhawks, 0-4 in the tourney, managed just four hits. Thompson had two singles. First baseman Chad King doubled for KU's lone extra-base hit.

Brian Schriner (1-1) was the losing pitcher. He struck out six in 6 2/3 innings.

Northwestern (2-2) collected nine hits. Matt Thompson went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and a home run to lead the Wildcats.